Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
So if a player doesn't follow orders, it's the coach's fault? I suppose to an extent, but not ten games in. And he actually does adjust, bench players, change the PP makeup from time to time. He's not knee jerk which a lot of people seem to want.
Issues? Team discipline has been just fine at points, and not at others. The breakout has been excellent at times throughout his tenure, when they play his 5 man system. But every team has lapses in consistency. Look at Washington - a top team last year, coached by one of the best. They are out of the POs at the moment. Look at the Hawks - tied with Calgary on PP%. Their coach must suck at PP, right?
The last three games, the Flames could just as easily be 2-1 or 3-0. They were the better team in 2.5 of those games (I will give St.L the second half of last game). They would up 1-2 instead. Those kind of things even out.
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The question is not why don't they do it all the time, its are they capable of doing it all the time. I think what makes a great coach is one who adapts to the strengths of the roster they have, and minimizes their weaknesses. This is where I think GG fails. If the team is not playing his system I doubt its that they don't want to, it might be they are just not built in such a way as to be capable of doing it.
Also consider that he insisted on playing Stajan 13 minutes in the last loss. I fail to see how that is maximizing the assets you have available. This is my gripe with GG. He may be a great X's and O's coach, but I think he fails when it comes to adaptation. Look at how much better Bennett plays on the wing. Why did that change take GG so long to make? Why did Elliot start game 4 last playoffs only to be pulled after 1 goal? These are bad coaching decisions with tangible negative effects on the team.